Work Machine Object Detection Override for Attachment Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection systems on work machines often result in false positives when coupling attachments, disrupting the operational flow and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An object detection system comprising a frame, boom arm, image sensor, processor, and controller that captures images, recognizes objects, and overrides work machine functions when a target object is defined, allowing for alerting, stopping, or modifying the work machine's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If object detection system executes function when object is recognized, then operational safety is improved, but false positives occur during attachment coupling disrupting operational flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidoperational flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different recognition criteria and sensitivity levels to different object types and locations. During attachment coupling operations, the system recognizes that certain objects (attachments, couplers) are expected targets and adjusts its detection parameters accordingly, allowing safe operation while preventing false positives that would disrupt workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The object detection system dynamically adjusts its detection parameters, sensitivity, and response thresholds based on the current operational context. When the work machine is performing attachment coupling operations, the system modifies its detection behavior to accommodate expected object presence, thereby maintaining safety without causing false positive disruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If object detection system monitors all objects, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system segments the monitoring space into different zones (e.g., attachment coupling zone, general work zone, restricted zones) and applies different detection algorithms and sensitivity levels to each zone. This segmentation allows high detection accuracy in critical areas while reducing system complexity in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a universal detection framework that can handle multiple object types and operational contexts through a single integrated system. Rather than requiring separate detection systems for different scenarios, the universal system adapts its parameters and algorithms based on the current operational mode, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230339734A1Object detection system and method on a work machine

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A method and system of controlling a work machine having an object detection system. The method comprises capturing an image with a camera and then recognizing an object in the image with the object detection. In next steps, the method includes defining the recognized object as a target object and operating the work machine wherein the object detection system is configured to execute a function of the work machine when the object is recognized. Finally, the method includes overriding the execution of the function of the object detection system when the object is defined as the target object.